Backing Motorhome into camp site

[PushedAround]

I heartily subscribe to the GOAL method, and never back up without doing that first. Secondly, you never know if you will be backing into a spot from the left or from the right, so after I survey the space I have my DW stand exactly where I need a set of eyes to avoid hitting anything. I explain to her what I can't see and what I need her to look at, and have never had a problem or miscommunication this way.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by msturtz

It depends on the state and weight. E.g. in Washington State anyone with a Class D (i.e. regular license) can drive a 55,000# 45' Motorhome pulling a trailer. There are even custom rigs with a class 8 truck pulling a massive 53' shipping container conversion or fifth wheel. If it is recreational use,you can use a car license.

Yep, see post 18.

[Scottybdivin]

Originally Posted by biosensai

Lots of interesting, good things said in responses. Here's my 2 cents worth. First, unhook your dinghy. Can't back those things up. Second, if you've backed a fifth wheel, backing a motorhome is going to be a lot easier I would think. As many others have stated, just take your time and get out and look often. You do it a few times and there's nothing to it.

I think backing up the MH is much easier than backing our previous 5th wheel. I still can't believe the turning radius with these things. It's just that darned backup alarm that I hate.

[Mr Plymouth]

Hi CC this helped me alot since ive never driven a motor home,had 5th wheels and drove fire trucks,not sure how to post it but you can google it,
New RV confidence Course.Hope this helps
Paul

[TandCplusRV]

Originally Posted by DSL417

Pls don't forget...while you're watching the tail of your RV and admiring how well you're getting into the spot, your swinging the front of your coach. Seems like I've had more close calls with the nose of the coach than the back. It is tough, because you get so focused on the tail! JMHO

This is fantastic advice! Especially if you're backing into a woodsy spot. My wife and I are Florida folks and frequent Disney visitors and I had more than one close call as described above just at Fort Wilderness. Very easy to get so focused on getting set as to forget possible interference on the passenger or driver side nose.

I always try to go in steps, a little at a time, even if everything is going smoothly. Roll a couple of feet. Stop completely and check all the mirrors/views. Take a breath. Repeat. Seems to work for me. I was a first time Class A owner and never had too much of a problem even getting into the tight ones taking most of the advice folks offered above.

[Falcon190]

The best advice I've received, which echoes a lot of the above posts, was from a truck driver friend. Take your time. Don't be afraid to stop and get out and look. You'll find things to tell your spotter to look out for that are in your blind spots, like low hanging tree branches. And if you need to take it slow, then take it slow!

I've also learned a few other things (the hard way). Once you've parked, get out and make sure that there's clearance for your slide outs and that when you open your basement compartment doors they won't hit anything.

AND if you plan to dump your air, your coach is gonna drop six or more inches. Make sure that there's no rocks or curbs or anything else that might be in the way of your slides outs.

AND if you plan to level your coach, make sure your jacks will drop onto flat ground and away from curbs.

Don't let yourself get frustrated! Sure, the other campers are gonna watch you, but being extra careful is a lot less embarrassing than actually hitting something!

[MisterT]

I use my two teenagers to help, as long as I can see um in the mirrors or better yet, the rear video - though, honestly, it's always a little tedious and pressure filled even after you've got out and looked yourself!

I like your '12 Fiesta - we TOAD a 2014 Fiesta SE - just put it in neutral and go!

[MisterT]

I get my two teens to stand back in view of the rear camera...
by the way, like your 12 Fiesta toad - we have a 14 and love it.